Durand Eastman Park

In 1888, landscape architect Bernard H. Slavin designed this county park that covers 977 acres and includes five lakes, the most prominent being Durand and Eastman Lakes. You’ll find a section of pedestrian-only roadway between Log Cabin and Zoo Roads that is perfect for a walk in the arboretum.

Walk across Lakeshore Boulevard to explore the seven-mile Irondequoit Lakeside Multi-Use Trail, a paved sidewalk along 5,000 feet of Lake Ontario shoreline with a portion of wetland boardwalk. Additionally, there is a city-managed Lake Ontario swimming beach.

The golf course was redesigned by the famous architect Robert Trent Jones in 1933. It is a popular spot for birthdays and reunions, with picnic pavilions throughout the park and a woodland playground.

Durand Eastman Park’s Arboretum

The arboretum is located between Zoo Road and Sweet Fern Road. A delightful article, published by Rochester Gardening, provides a detailed inventory and history of the arboretum. Keep an eye out for the guided tours organized by Monroe County Cornell Cooperative Extension in the spring and fall.

Hiking

To fully explore the park, walking or biking is recommended as the best option since you can only travel on paved roads with a bike. The park has three main hiking trails that provide scenic views of the largest lakes. Although you can take a leisurely drive around the park, stopping at small parking lots, walking or biking is the most ideal way to experience its natural beauty.

Durand Lake Trail

The trail spans a distance of 1.2 miles and is moderately difficult due to the presence of rolling hills, narrow pathways, steep slopes, and large exposed roots, which make it challenging. Although similar to the trail around Eastman Lake, this trail is more rugged and offers a feeling of wilderness. The southern part of the trail comprises interesting sections of corduroy, which are log paths.

The trail is surrounded by hemlock and fir trees, providing a great winter hiking experience. Fishermen have had success catching sunfish, bluegills, strawberry bass, and bullheads in the area. You will also have the opportunity to appreciate seasonal wildflowers, ferns, and shrubs, such as witch hazel. The autumn hike is especially stunning, as the beech, sassafras, maple, and oak trees create a beautiful display of fall colors.

Trott Lake Trail

This trail is a pleasant half-mile walk with moderate difficulty due to small, rolling hills. However, some parts of the trail may be narrow with steep sides, so caution is advised. The woodland walk features a variety of trees, such as pine, striped maple, cherry, oak, birch, spruce, tulip, and sassafras, which make it a beautiful sight. During different seasons, you can find wildflowers, ferns, and fungi, like Indian Pipes, adding to the beauty of the nature trail. If you visit the southeastern part of the trail in late June, you can enjoy the sight of rhododendrons in full bloom. Additionally, keep an eye out for beavers, as they have been active in this area.

Eastman Lake Trail

The trail is an easy 1.5-mile walk with rolling terrain that provides breathtaking views in all seasons. The lake takes its name after George Eastman, who was the founder of the Eastman Kodak Company. The park’s land was donated by George Eastman and Dr. Henry S. Durand.

While strolling along the edge of the lake, keep an eye out for waterfowl, warblers, painted turtles, and various frog and toad species, particularly during spring and fall migrations. It is an excellent spot for birdwatching.

The path is decorated with seasonal wildflowers and an assortment of ferns. Sunlight filters through the canopy of maple, cherry, oak, tulip, sassafras, and beech trees, showcasing a breathtaking array of colors during the fall season. During winter, the frozen lake, evergreen hemlock and pine trees, and the unique textures of the different tree trunks make this walk a beautiful experience.

The White Lady’s Castle

Did you know that the White Lady’s Castle located at Durand Eastman Park is often mistaken as a castle, but it’s actually just the front of a previous beachside restaurant called Three Lakes Pavilion? It’s true! However, despite this fact, there are still rumors that a mother and her two wolf-like dogs haunt the area, seeking revenge on those who have wronged them.

The marker reads: “The White Lady: Grieving woman’s ghost and her wolf-like hounds appear in the night mist searching the roadside for her lost daughter.”

Durand Eastman Beach

At Lot A near Horseshoe Road, you’ll find the designated swimming area along the 5,000-foot sandy shoreline of Lake Ontario. Enjoy a walk on the boardwalk leading up to Seabreeze Amusement Park.

Autumn in Durand Eastman Park

During fall, I love spending time in the forest due to the lack of bugs, vibrant leaf colors, and the sweet smell of decaying leaves and cotton candy.

Cotton candy?

Absolutely! During early November, the Katsura tree’s leaves transform into a spectacular blend of apricot and lemon colors that are hard to miss. Many describe its scent as a combination of burnt sugar and marshmallow. Katsura Glen, on Zoo Road, is a perfect spot to witness this spectacle, and it’s also an ideal starting point for a hike around the lakes.

Between October 25 and November 10 is the ideal time to experience the best of autumn’s beauty.

Early Spring in Durand Eastman Park

During springtime, my second favorite time to explore Durand Eastman is when the trees and daffodils bloom.

More information about Durand Eastman Park

Cost: Free

Located in the City of Rochester (get directions)

More Information: monroecounty.gov
The cutest little pocket guide!
cityofrochester.gov

Where is your favorite spot in Durand Eastman Park?

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